Cyprus-Forum.com

[Tonyrb]

My wife and I really wish to move to Cyprus early next year. I read something that the Government is stopping the issuing of work permits for non specialised arears.

A couple of questions that I hope someone can answer:

1) Is it true that CY Government is going to stop issuing work permits and if so which areas of specialality will be permitted.

2) If I decided to purchase an existing Business would I be able to do this if I was not a permenent resident in Cyprus with a view of moving over next year? I was thinking of a small Bar somewhere outside of the main towns.

Looking at other forums I guess it is fairly difficult to earn a reasonable living in CY via a normal Job.

Anyway I would love to here from anyone that may be able to assist or point me in the right direction.

My wife and I are coming over to CY in May to undertake some research.

Look forward to hearing from you

[Svetlana]

Hi Bob

You do not need a Work Permit to work in Cyprus; we joined the EU last year. You will merely have to register with Immigration as 'Employed', register the Company at Company's House, register with the Finance Department (for income tax) and also, register for Social Security contributions.

Yo may buy a business and property here without being a resident - but only one property, to own more than one you need to be a resident or set up a company.

Yes, pay here is poor but the cost of living lower; you may find that the locals will not welcome you as a business competitor. Cypriots are the most wonedrful friends - but do not stick to Queensbury Rules in business.

Which area do you intend to move to? If you have nay other questions please feel free to raise them.

Svetlana

[Tonyrb]

Thank you Svetlana for your prompt reply.

Good news about the work permit.

We are hoping to find a resale property in the higher ground towards the Troodos moutains.

My main concern is finding a regular income, hence my questions about the job market.

Tony

[sneezing7]

Thats interesting to note....

I work for an offshore company here and was required to apply for an alien book, and work permit only1month ago.

I also hold a EU passport...which did not seem to help.

Honestly, I do not think anyone knows what is going on at the moment , not even the govt *suprise, suprise!

[Tonyrb]

Hi Manni

Can I ask how you knew that you require a work permit etc.

Was that through the Company you work for or thorugh asking the CY Government

thanks

Tony

[pimprenelle]

Hi Bob
....Cypriots are the most wonedrful friends - but do not stick to Queensbury Rules in business....Svetlana

Svetlana,
Sorry for my question but my english is not fluent.
When you say "stick to Queensbury Rules" does it mean that Cypriots feel at first Cypriots more than members of the Commonwealth countries?
Thanks
Pimprenelle

[Svetlana]

Hi Pimprenelle

Sorry for confusing you, the expression will be understood by British people but probably not by those who have learned their English in a foreign country. Lord Queensbury laid down the rules for boxing; we use the expression 'not following Queensbury Rules' to mean the opposition do not always fight fair.

I hope that makes sense.

Svetlana

[sneezing7]

Hi Manni

Can I ask how you knew that you require a work permit etc.

Was that through the Company you work for or thorugh asking the CY Government

thanks

Tony

Hey Tony,

Yes the company informed me that I would need to get certain papers in order to work here.

I also enquired with the govt depts (absolute nightmare that was),and again was informed that they are still in the transition period adapting to EU rules, thusa permit is still required.

Yet with that all said getting a permit wasnot too difficult- if you pay someone to do it for you. For about 40pounds they will do all the running around for you. All you will then have to do is go to the immigration office and sign one form.

Well worth the money!

[rotate]

Recently got my 'work permit' and Aliens registration (EU citizens have up to three months from date of last arrival in Cyprus to get these but you may start work without them).

Visited the Labour Office and the Immigration Department in Nicosia and the process was completed in less than two hours. Pleased to say that I was treated with courtesy and respect even though the government employees in both offices were under a great deal of pressure from some fairly forceful applicants. Amazed me how unpleasant people can be even when they are seeking permission to live and work in someone elses country!

Rules of the Game
Make sure your application and supporting documents are correct.
Have the correct amount of cash £25.
Always knock on the door even if its open (that really surprises).
If you learn nothing else learn to how to say 'excuse me, please and thank you' in the language of your hosts.
Shake hands with the official (no one does this).
When queing stand your ground and ignore all plea's from others to go first because they've double parked the Merc or their on a promise.
A good sized hard briefcase is a useful tool for blocking anyone from pushing in front of you and it gives the bearer an air of respectability

If the £40 fee paid by Manni included the £25 official charge then it was reasonable, if not it was excessive and I am now considering if I should jack in my new job and start my own business obtaining the neccessary documentation for those who decide against confronting the Cypriot civil service. A notional charge of £30 + the official charge x three jobs a day x five days a week would more than meet my modest requirements.

Final tip for anyone visiting the Nicosia Immigration office, learn Manadarin Chinese as practically everyone who was there at the time of my visit seemed to be Chinese and this may be the way the country is going, forget GC's and TC's after all Cyprus bears the same initials as China, RoC.

[pimprenelle]

Hi Svetlana
Thanks for your answer. It is perfectly clear for me now ... in fact, far away from the Queen and the Commonwealth, only a Cypriot's business way of mind that everyone can meet in a foreign country as an expatriate worker.

Hi Rotate,
I was really surprised to read "as practically everyone who was there at the time of my visit seemed to be Chinese".

Question for all those who can inform me :
I know that only a few french people live in Cyprus (around 1000 considering french official data ; a few french companies and most of them are offshore ones) but I couldn't find how many tourists are there in Cyprus (detailed statistics per year and even month and/or web links would be helpful ; I don't understand greek but I could manage an approximate translation with altavista).
Thanks a lot